Information Exchange Vol. 48 No. 10

March 6, 2020

DEED Spotlight on Teachers: Taelyn Coffee, 3^rd grade, Riverbend Elementary in Juneau.

Reading fluency, reading accuracy, and reading comprehension are skills needed for students’ confidence and success through their education.  Ms. Coffee’s role as an educator is to cultivate and encourage reading as a life-long skill, as well as fostering the simple joy of using one’s imagination. 

Ms. Coffee feels fortunate to have students from Thunder Mountain High School’s Education Psychology class visit her classroom twice a week. The visiting students gain experience with learning environments, teaching strategies, and creating relationships with students, while the third graders are able to gain confidence in their reading abilities by reading aloud to the high schoolers – a practice that builds healthy relationships with community members and fosters a sense of pride!

Ms. Coffee uses literacy centers throughout the week, which focus on word work, elements of writing, and reading skills. The classroom library is fully stocked with classics and newer publications, spanning every genre. Students participate in daily read-alouds, engage in thoughtful discussions with their peers, and answer questions to demonstrate comprehension. Reading is not simply a skill – reading is about making meaningful connections and figuring out how the information helps us understand the world around us.    

Thank you, Ms. Coffee, for helping to cultivate confident and thoughtful readers!

Want to share how you support reading? Why you love reading? Why you think reading is important? Tell us by tagging @alaskaDEED on social media, using #akreads, or emailing rochelle.lindley@alaska.gov.

Last Call! 2020 ACSA Legislative Fly-In

The Alaska Council of School Administrators will host its 2020 Legislative Fly-In on March 15-18 in Juneau. This is a valuable opportunity to meet with colleagues from around the state to receive policy updates on relevant topics, engage in professional development in leadership and to have unified efforts to reach legislators on important education matters during the legislative session.

Last Call! The U.S. Department of Education Indian Education Formula Grants Deadline Extended

The Indian Education Formula Grants to Local Educational Agencies (Formula Grants) program provides grants to support local educational agencies, Indian Tribes and organizations, and other eligible entities in developing and implementing elementary and secondary school programs that serve Indian students. Part I of the application is due March 12. 

Last Call! Easter Egg design project to represent the State of Alaska

In preparation for the annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House, DEED is soliciting interest and will select a school to design an egg decoration for submission and display at the national event.  Any school that is interested to produce a design should contact brad.billings@alaska.gov by Tuesday March 10, 2020.  State Egg Decorating Guidelines are attached and the final product must be completed by March 31.

NEW! Interim Guidance to Plan, Prepare, and Respond to COVID-19

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided interim guidance for administrators of U.S. childcare programs and K-12 schools to plan, prepare, and respond to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

NEW! Remembering Sharon Sue Sears Russell

Sharon Sue Sears Russell, longtime Alaskan educator, passed away on February 26. Ms. Russell taught for 51 years in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District. At the time of her passing, Ms. Russell’s tenure in Mat-Su represented the longest continuous service to a single Alaska school district.

NEW! Proposed Perkins V State Plan out for Public Comment

DEED has completed the final state plan draft of the new federal law for career and technical education - Alaska’s State Plan for the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V).  Please review and submit comments here through March 31, 2020.  Contact brad.billings@alaska.gov with any questions. 

NEW! U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration Educational Resources

The United States of America's Vietnam War Commemoration is a Department of Defense office authorized by Congress. The organization's History and Legacy Branch's professional historians and educators have developed materials to aid educators and students in gaining a greater appreciation of the Vietnam War, the veteran, and their importance to U.S. history. These resources are free and can be viewed online, shipped to middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities, libraries, and museums.

NEW! U.S. Department of Education to Host Digital Equity Summits

The 2020 Regional Digital Equity Summits will engage state and local education leaders and community collaborators, and help participants identify strategies, connect with resources, and explore partnership opportunities to ensure future digital learning demands are met. Following each Summit, attendees will have access to six-months of free, ongoing technical assistance as they build community action plans to address local digital equity priorities. Several Summits are available to choose from in the Spring/Summer. The Anchorage Summit will take place August 10-11.

NEW! Prince William Sound College For Teachers Courses

Prince William Sound College is pleased to announce the Summer 2020 For Teachers professional-development offerings for Alaska teachers. The lineup will include courses in technology, environmental science, math, chemistry, and construction. Each course is based on a one-week summer experience followed by an implementation exercise during the fall. Courses will cover lesson planning focused on place-based and experiential learning, and the Alaska Cultural Standards. Teachers can earn three 500-level college credits that can be used toward teacher recertification.

Reminder: Professional Teaching Practices Commission (PTPC) Spring 2020 Newsletter

The PTPC spring newsletter is available for distribution to all Alaska’s educators. The newsletter has practical information for all certified educators.

Reminder: Registration is open for AASB’s 2020 Spring Boardsmanship Academy and Legislative Fly-In

Join School board members and district leaders from around the state to learn more about current legislation, connect with school board members, develop strategies, and come together as a unified voice of Alaska School Board members. The Spring Academy/Legislative Fly-In will take place March 28-31 in Juneau. Early bird registration ends March 21.

Reminder: Save the Date: Our Cultural Landscape Education Conference

The Sealaska Heritage Institute will sponsor its third education conference for teachers and administrators in Southeast Alaska in an effort to promote culturally responsive pedagogy in schools. The goal is to provide educators with a deep understanding of culturally-responsive education. The conference will take place August 3-8 in Juneau. Watch for registration information.

Reminder: Applications open for ASDN/s Summer Code.org Computer Science Professional Learning Program

Middle and High School teachers are invited to participate in 5-day Code.org workshops this June and August in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Bethel. There is no cost to participate, and travel scholarships are available. Contact Cheryl Bobo with questions cbobo@alaskaacsa.org.

• CS Discoveries (Grades 6-10), June 1-5 in Anchorage or June 8-12 in Fairbanks
• CS Principals (Grades 9-12 and AP), June 1-5 in Anchorage or August 1-5 in Bethel

Reminder: Earn Credits, Have Fun, and Learn to Integrate with the Arts!

The Alaska Arts Education Consortium has opened registration for four unique Arts Institutes. Educators from all districts are invited to attend. For more information contact Barbara Short, AAEC Executive Director, bshort@akartsed.org.

• Science and the Arts for Elementary Classroom Teachers – May 26-29, Anchorage Summer Academy, 2 credits
• Social Emotional Learning and the Arts – June 1-5, Soldotna, 3 credits
• Multicultural Arts Institute – June 15-20, Fairbanks, 3 credits
• Cultural Arts Institute – July 20-31, Juneau with trip to Klukwan, 4 credits

Special Feature:  Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

DEED has been an active participant of the state’s interagency pandemic preparedness group relating to the COVID-19 outbreak. While there are no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Alaska, DEED has been taking proactive steps to promote accurate messaging, disease prevention, and encourage preparedness measures.

DEED has been providing school superintendents with routine updates, guidance, and resources relating to the evolving COVID-19 situation. DEED staff hosted a WebEx training this Wednesday with guest speakers from the Department of Health and Social Services.

DEED developed a webpage specific to COVID-19 to provide schools with information and resources as they prepare should the virus arrive in Alaska. DEED staff is diligently monitoring the situation and updating this website to ensure it contains relevant, and helpful guidance.

In addition to the school-specific guidance on our website, the CDC recommends that everyone take every day preventative actions to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipes
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

If you have any questions or concerns relating to COVID-19 prevention and preparedness in schools, please visit DEED’s website or contact todd.brocious@alaska.gov.

 

DEED releases 21^st Century Community Learning Centers FY21 Request for Applications

DEED is seeking applicants for competitive 21^st Century Community Learning Centers (21^st CCLC) funding that would begin providing programming in the fall of the 20-21 school year. The goal of the 21st CCLC program is to raise student academic achievement by providing students engaging out-of-school-time academic assistance and educational enrichment opportunities.  Applications are due April 17.  For questions, please contact Jessica Paris at jessica.paris@alaska.gov or 907-465-8716.

Alaska’s Heart through Student Art

Call for student art! Showcase your student art at the 5^th Annual Alaska’s Heart through Student Art show. Art will be on display at the Father Andrew P. Kashevaroff Library, Archives and Museum building in March.

USDA Food and Nutrition Services Seeking Public Comment on Proposed Regulations

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service is seeking public comment on two proposed regulations related to the Summer Food Service Program, and the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. The comment period ends March 23.

Summer Food Service Program Looking for Local Sites

Too many children who rely on school meals do not have access to meals in the summer. Are there children in your community who will go hungry this summer? DEED’s Child Nutrition Programs is looking for school districts, parks and recreation departments, non-profit organizations, and churches to operate Summer Food Service Program feeding sites for children and youth in low-income areas in Alaska. All sponsors receive training and technical assistance from DEED/CNP prior to starting their Summer Food Service Program, and throughout the program’s duration. Applications are due April 15. For questions or to register contact Jennifer Cherian at jennifer.cherian@alaska.gov or (907) 465-4969. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

• Distance Delivery for All Sponsors – Training Delivered via WebEx

March 18, 2020 - 9:00 AM to 3:30PM - All SFSP Administrators

• Distance Delivery for School Food Authorities - Training Delivered via WebEx

March 19, 2020 - 1:00PM to 4:30 PM - School District SFSP Administrators ONLY

Seeking Public Review and Comment on State Content Standards

DEED is seeking review and comment on state content standards. We encourage parents, educators, and communities to take a few minutes to provide input on Alaska's current English Language Arts and Mathematics standards adopted in 2012.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

The Alaska Training Cooperative is offering Youth Mental Health First Aid training. This 8-hour public education program is intended for adults, and introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents. One professional development credit is available through UAA PACE with additional study and papers. The training will take place in Juneau on April 3. Contact Wendi Shackelford at (907) 264-6224 or wendis@alaskachd.org for more information.

SchoolSafety.gov Provides Resources to Create a Safer School

The SchoolSafety.gov website was created by the federal government to provide schools and districts with a one-stop shop of resources to address various threats related to safety, security, and support in schools.

2020 Justice for All Art Contest

Students are invited to interpret the importance of Fairness, Diversity, and Equality to our justice system in two-dimensional art forms (drawings, paintings, original prints, photographs, etc.) and then submit them to the 10^th Annual Justice for All Art Contest. Deadline is March 16.

Upcoming Workshop for teachers presented by Alaska Staff Development Network and Code.org

Elementary school educators are invited to join in a one-day Computer Science Fundamentals workshop. No computer science background is needed! Scroll down to the “Upcoming K-6 Workshops” section on their webpage for more information. The next session is CS Deep Dive on April 10 in Wrangell.

President’s FY2021 Federal Budget Proposal

President Trump’s FY2021 Federal Budget Proposal is now available. You can also read the Congressional Budget Justification from the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). USDOE also issued a press release outlining the impacts on education.

Steven R. Nelson Native Educator Scholarship Program

The Steven R. Nelson Native Educator Scholarship Program strives to increase Native representation in the field of education by providing financial support, mentoring, and internships for Native students in the Northwest who are pursuing a master’s degree in educational policy, leadership, technical assistance, research, or a closely related field. Awardees can receive up to $5,000 per year. Application deadline is March 31.

Senator Murkowski’s 2020 High School Intern Program

Senator Murkowski is seeking high school seniors for her 2020 High School Intern Program. Twenty students will be selected from across Alaska to participate. Independent, inquisitive, and mature young Alaskans should apply. The first session will occur June 1-26. The second session will occur July 6-31. Senator Murkowski is also seeking Summer Intern Coordinators who will supervise the High School Interns in their daily activities. Coordinator applicants must be at least 21 years of age. Applications for both programs are due March 16.

NCCER for Teachers Professional Development

Prince William Sound College was recently awarded a DEED grant to support teachers and paraprofessionals with a direct role in teaching CTE to become National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certified instructors. Scholarships will provide tuition, NCCER certification, lodging, travel expenses, and stipends. Contact Woody Woodgate at wawoodgate@alaska.edu for more information. Training will occur May 24-30.

Interior Agricultural Institute Professional Development Opportunity

Alaska Gateway School District invites you to apply to attend a week-long training workshop. Participants will gain working knowledge of greenhouse and hydroponic operation and utilize a culinary art curriculum with students. The workshop will take place May 26-30 in Tok. Contact Jane Teague at jteague@agsd.us or (907) 940-5031 for more information. 

2020 AIA Frank Maier High School Design Competition

The American Institute of Architecture (AIA), Alaska, is seeking entries for its 2020 AIA Frank Maier High School Design Competition. This year’s competition is titled “Equality Exchange” and challenges students to think about the rights of Alaska’s citizens. Submissions are due April 18. Please see the attached flyer for more information, or contact Richard Rearick at Richard.rearick@uiccs.com or (907) 273-1824.

2020 Ninth Circuit Civics Contest: The Right to Vote

The Ninth Circuit is hosting its 2020 Civics Contest, and the theme is Right to Vote. The essay and video contest is for high school students in the western United States and Pacific Islands. Alaska high school students won first place in 2017 and 2019! Entries are accepted from February 15 through March 25. 

New Application Process for Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) Program

The U.S. Department of Education closely evaluated the SRSA application process and determined that the applicant burden could be significantly reduced while maintaining appropriate accountability in our grantmaking procedures. The Department will conduct webinars for school district staff on March 19 and April 2 to demonstrate the new process for submitting the SRSA application. More information is detailed in the attached letter from the Department.

Creative Coding is now included in BrainPOP Subscription

Many of you know that Alaska has a statewide license to BrainPOP, but did you know that your teachers can unlock additional features through individual accounts that can only be set up at the school level? At no additional charge to you? And now, BrainPOP is offering Creative Coding to teach coding and computer science to students and educators. Contact Martha Ketsdever, BrainPOP Account Manager for Alaska State Libraries, for more information at marthak@brainpop.com.

Spring 2020 AK-CASE Scholarship

Alaska Council of Administrators of Special Education (AK-CASE) is offering a $1,000 scholarship to provide support for students currently enrolled in UAA, UAS, UAF, or an online program and pursuing a career in special education or related service field. For more information please see the attached letter. Applications are due March 17.

Education Programs Affected by the 2020 Census

Census responses drive decisions on the allocation of more than $675 billion in federal funds to states and communities. The data from the census could impact funding formulas used by these programs as soon as the 2021-22 school year, and will continue to impact school funding for the next decade. In March 2020 households will receive a notice in the mail to complete the 2020 Census. The public can begin responding to the census online at 2020census.gov, or by mail or phone. Learn more about how the 2020 Census can affect schools by visiting www.census.gov/schools or by reviewing the attached flyer.  

Presidential Primary Sources Project

Register for PPSP to learn about presidents like Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and George Washington directly from National Park Service rangers and presidential historians. This free, live, interactive web series for grades 4-12 runs January through March.

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Institute + Child, Adolescent, & Family Behavioral Health Conference

Registration is now open! The IECMHI+CAFBHC Conference will be held March 30-April 3 in Anchorage at the Dena’ina Convention Center.

Alaska’s Stone Soup Group Offers Trainings relating to Special Needs Children

Stone Soup Group provides information, support, training, and resources to assist families caring for children with special needs. Transition Series: Supported Decision-Making Agreements and Alternatives to Guardianship includes a series of lectures on what you need to know as you and your student with disabilities prepare for adulthood. Also available via webinar. Every third Thursday at 5:30-7:00 pm, through March 19.

Career Connections Registration is now open

Career Connections, a program of SERRC - Alaska's Educational Resource Center, has opened registration for 2020 dates. The sessions will take place Mar. 29-Apr. 3, 2020, and Apr. 19-24, 2020, in Juneau. Career Connections is a week-long, hands-on career exploration program held in Juneau, open to all 9-12th graders. Students who attend will:

• Visit exciting job sites in diverse career fields
• Visit and explore a university campus and post-secondary training sites
• Use AKCIS to explore future careers
• Develop a realistic, workable plan to obtain a job they are passionate about
• Practice employability skills

Alaska State Council on the Arts Grant Opportunities

The Alaska State Council on the Arts has multiple grant categories open for application, including: organizations, individuals, and art education. Cultural Collaboration Excursion grant applications are available on a rolling deadline, with applications due 30 days prior to the planned arts excursion. Information on all available grants can be found on the website.

Join the Alaska Education Network – Project ECHO

Project ECHO is a statewide initiative focused on uniting Alaska’s educational leaders with the intention of building a support network. They offer 75-minute sessions via Zoom every other week with three themes to choose from: Educational Leadership, Instructional Development, and Positive Behavior, Safety, & Well-Being. All educators at any level are encouraged to join! There is no cost to participate! Sessions run through April 29. 500 level credit offered through UAA Pace.

To submit news items, please contact Rochelle Lindley at (907) 465-6535 or rochelle.lindley@alaska.gov. To be added or removed from distribution visit http://list.state.ak.us/mailman/listinfo/info_exchange. This newsletter is available weekly and in archived form at https://education.alaska.gov/news/infoexch.

This newsletter contains hyperlinks to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the reader’s convenience. DEED does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. Furthermore, the inclusion of links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered, on these sites, or the organizations sponsoring the sites.